Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Dates

I remember the first time I had Brussels sprouts. I was in grade nine and at a friend’s house. Her mom made me eat them, and I hated them. Oh, how I’ve changed. The Niagara Street Grill, way back when, taught me to love all veggies thanks to their amazing sides. This recipe is a great side mostly because of the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar that candy the sprouts. And now it’s one that I feed to the friends of my kids. I tell them, ‘If I make you eat your veggies, it means I love you and you are like family.

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Chocolate Chip Zucchini Loaf

There’s nothing like knowing there are vegetables in desserts that my kids love. When the kids first tested this they asked if it was banana bread. My little white lie was “Sort of.” After rave reviews, I laughed that they’d eaten vegetable dessert thanks to the zucchini. The teen response was in the vein of “You don’t need to pull those stunts anymore, Mom.” If you have picky eaters, know that the zucchini adds moisture, has very little flavour, and is practically invisible, as it’s grated. It’s so moist and delicious the word “zucchini” won’t even come up.

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Superbowl Sunday Snack & Interactive Sunday Dinner. Counter style.

My son Fin has my family's super sports fan DNA. I am not part of the endless sports pools and chatter but I love any excuse to gather. This Sunday, I'll pull up a chair at the halftime show. Like most of you! And get on the Superbowl Sunday food bandwagon. the friends of my kids. I tell them, ‘If I make you eat your veggies, it means I love you and you are like family.

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